HDFC Bank

Indiabulls maintains 'buy' on HDFC Bank
6 Aug, 2008

CMP: Rs 1,184.35
Target price: Rs 1,400

Indiabulls has maintained a ‘buy’ rating on HDFC Bank as it feels that the bank would revert to its more profitable numbers once Centurion Bank of Punjab (CBoP) is integrated in its existing network.

“Sound fundamentals make HDFC Bank a strong performer,” says the report, adding that “despite taking a nominal hit on its net interest margin (NIM) post the merger with CBoP, net interest income (NII) grew by 74.9% YoY and fee income by 37.3% YoY.” This pulled up net profit by 44.6% and on a proforma basis, by 31.1%.

While the bank recorded a 111.60% YoY increase in its non-performing assets, the brokerage feels it is more on account of the merger than due to a deterioration in asset quality, since HDFC Bank’s net NPA ratio stood at 0.5% of net advances this quarter.